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Williams does Plano homework
Re: “We recommend — Williams for Plano City Council Place 5,” Tuesday editorial.
Councilman Shelby Williams does not mince his words when asked for his opinion or implementation plans and schedules. I was in the audience during the mid-March Plano council meeting on potential regulations of short-term rentals. Williams received a standing ovation for his discussion. Several other candidates said they agreed with Williams and said nothing else.
You are watching a future Texas governor, U.S. senator or beyond in the making. He does his homework and is able to cite facts and figures to back up his discussion.
If you want to reelect a councilman who will work for the citizens of Plano, he is that person. I noticed even the city manager was taking notes on Williams’ comments.
James Sherrard, Plano
Schools, economy rely on each other
Re: “Make Texas the place to be for business — Economic development incentives created by bill would allow state to remain competitive,” by Chris Wallace, Tuesday Opinion.
Wallace’s column citing the importance of an economic development program is right on point. The best way for Texas to stay competitive in attracting businesses is to offer an incentive program. It’s important to emphasize the positive impact such a program could have on school districts.
Billions of dollars have been invested into our local community and schools because of these agreements. The success of our schools depends on the jobs and revenue that local business investments bring to the community and state economy.
When school districts can grant property tax limitations, they attract new companies, which leads to increased economic development and new job opportunities. This boosts tax revenue, allowing schools to fund extracurricular programs, build nicer facilities and attract more high-quality teachers.
Improved schools help the city appeal to even more businesses. This collaboration between school districts, companies and cities helps create a sustainable and prosperous community.
That’s why it is imperative that lawmakers work with school districts to develop an economic development program that benefits businesses, school districts, cities and the Texas economy.
H. D. Chambers, Houston
Executive director, Texas School Alliance
Schedule abortion bill hearings
When Roe vs. Wade was overturned last summer, the Texas trigger law that passed in 2021 kicked in to outlaw abortions in Texas altogether. There was immediate backlash from even the most conservative corners about the lack of exceptions for rape and incest, and the vague language about the exception to save the life of the mother.
Two clarifying bills have been introduced by Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, in this session of the Texas Legislature. HB 979 identifies exceptions to the abortion ban, and HB 2215 provides vital clarification as to when doctors are legally permitted to perform an abortion.
Another, HB 647 modifies current law concerning advance directives and do-not-resuscitate orders for pregnant women. All three bills are languishing in the House Public Health Committee right now and have not been given a hearing date.
There is overwhelming public support for these bills. If the chair of the Health Care Reform Select Committee, Rep. Stephanie Klick, R-Fort Worth, does not get these heard by the week after Easter, they lose any chance of becoming law.
Rep. Klick, please schedule these bills to be heard.
Rabbi Nancy Kasten, Dallas
Trump bewitches Texans
Re: “Trump trying to secure Texas — Former president gets busy before DeSantis enters race,” Sunday news story.
Yes, American law enforcement has been on a witch hunt. And they have found the witch — Donald Trump! Careful investigation, thousands of hours of testimony and reportedly scrupulous avoidance of partiality have revealed how many U.S. laws have been broken and skirted. And yet, he has bewitched thousands of Texans into excusing him and believing whatever emotional things he says are true, no matter how senseless. How could he do that if he wasn’t a witch?
Paula Craig, Dallas/Oak Cliff
Trump enjoys rights denied Jan. 6
With Donald Trump’s indictment by the New York Southern District comes the right to a fair and speedy trial whereby he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. That right is constitutional and is guaranteed by the Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments. Flashback to Jan. 6, 2021, and the attack on our democratic process and the rule of law. Ironic isn’t it?
Paul Dreimiller, Plano
Can we help Ukraine with eggs?
Re: “Woman keeping Ukraine pysanky egg tradition alive — The intricate crafts are made during Easter, other holidays,” Tuesday Metro & Business story.
I enjoyed the story of the woman in Hudson who creates the traditional pysanky eggs, a tradition in Ukraine. I hoped the story would include a way to order one of those beautiful eggs, which are often used at Easter. I would love to own one of them to add to Easter traditions I enjoy at home.
Possibly they are too fragile or too expensive to ship, but this is one more way to honor Ukraine, a country suffering so terribly. The eggs are also created for other holidays during the year. Could you do a follow-up story to see if it is possible to own one of these pysanky eggs?
Mary Mallardi, Far North Dallas
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